Can I plug my generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.</p></div>

How do I know what size of whole house generator to choose?

• <div><p>Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you’ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">Calculate your home’s electrical load</a> based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Mapleton, MN

Q: Can a portable generator power an entire home?

• <div><p>A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/installing-whole-house-generator.htm">whole-home generator</a> instead. </p></div>

Q: Can you use biofuel in a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.</p></div>

Q: What’s the lifespan of a natural gas generator?

• <div><p>When properly maintained, natural gas generators can last a long time, as much as <b>20 to 40 years</b>. They have relatively few needs compared to generators with other fuel types. However, the generator&rsquo;s lifespan ultimately depends on how often the generator is used and for how long it&rsquo;s left running.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Mapleton, MN

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Mapleton, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in Mapleton, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on October 24, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
The salesperson was great. The installers were kind and polite. Most important, the windows are fantastic!
Window Concepts of Minnesota Inc
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Reviewed in April 2017
It went great! Installation was quick and affordable!
ECS (Electrical & Communication Specialists, Inc)
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Reviewed in January 2017
It went well. Although we have not seen the new system in action as we are in winter, but the install staff was awesome, efficient and clean.
Complete Basement Systems
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Reviewed in August 2016
Install went great, they worked with us to get the a/c replaced (at our request) prior to the full furnace install, but followed up immediately within the next couple days to complete the rest of the installation. Couple notes: emailed questions and received complete and timely answers. Quotes...
WASKO HEATING & COOLING
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Reviewed in August 2015
The work was done promptly and professionally, as to my specifications. Without being asked, after removing a ceiling mounted lighting fixture that we will eventually replace, they installed a temporary light.
Guaranteed Electric Service, Inc
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Reviewed in May 2014
Very professional, took time to check everything as an update. Willing to meet to discuss new equipment needs and installation. Very impressed with their plumbing work. Will certainly continue to contact for future needs.
McGowan Water Conditioning Inc
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Reviewed in December 2013
Gene's has been doing all of our Audi repair for the last 6 years. This past July they replaced the window regulator in our S4. This is a common issues after a few years. The middle of December the window failed again, even though the normal warranty on repair parts is 90 days, Kip provided...
GENE'S REPAIR
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Reviewed in May 2013
Service was for apartment we own. When I call Roger and Steve, I give them phone numbers for our tenants. They contact tenants to set up service time, and take care of any problems we incur. Then, they send us a bill. Their services are very reasonable, and they can generally take care of...
Jerry's Plumbing Service
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Reviewed in November 2012
After months of prodding they finallyagreed to replace our faucet as prescribed in the original warranty with "only" an installation fee. Our installation fee was $380.67. Buyer beware!
Paul's Plumbing And Heating
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Reviewed in May 2012
He was really very good in that he didn't take advantage of me, which he could have; he could have made money himself instead of telling me to just hire a plumber for the job I needed done. He was very punctual and professional; he was here when he said he would be. He was all around a really...
John Hurd Construction
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Find Generator install pros in Mapleton

Jay's Outdoor Equipment and Repair

901 South Victory Dr.

4.50(

)

Jay's Outdoor Equipment and Repair

901 South Victory Dr.

4.50(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We accept cash, check, and major credit cards.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.

No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.

In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.

Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you’ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. Calculate your home’s electrical load based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.

When properly maintained, natural gas generators can last a long time, as much as 20 to 40 years. They have relatively few needs compared to generators with other fuel types. However, the generator’s lifespan ultimately depends on how often the generator is used and for how long it’s left running.

The Mapleton, MN homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
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•
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How Do Natural Gas Generators Work?
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Whole-House Generator Sizing: Everything You Need to Know
Whole house generator sizing can be tricky to figure out if you don’t know a few key factors. Our guide can help you determine what size works best for your needs.